Teens get online “eraser button” with new California law
by Kathleen Miles, Huffington Post
California teens get an online “eraser button” under a law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The law makes California the first state to require websites to allow people younger than 18 to remove their own postings on that website, and to clearly inform minors how to do so. Read More ›
Gas prices could fall 45 cents a gallon in California next month
by Gary Richards, San Jose Mercury News
California drivers could be in for a big treat by Halloween, with gas prices dropping 40 to 45 cents thanks in part to a light hurricane season, an easing of tensions in the Middle East and refinery fixes at home. Read More ›
13 medications you may not realize contain acetaminophen
by Mary Beth Quirk, Consumerist
Even though it says as much on the label, how often do you really read labels closely? Perhaps you do, but weren’t aware that you should not be taking more than one product containing acetaminophen at a time. Read More ›
Apple’s fingerprint recognition technology concerns senator
by Bree Fowler, San Jose Mercury News
If hackers get a hold of your thumbprint, they could use it to identify and impersonate you for the rest of your life, Senator Franken said in a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Read More ›
California company recalls 60,000 pounds of ground beef that may contain plastic bits
by Editor, CBS Local
The recall was described as: “A health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the produce will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.” The beef was shipped to distribution centers in Arkansas, California, Montana and Texas and intended for use by the National School Lunch Program. Read More ›
Google may stop using ‘cookies’ to track web users
by Elizabeth Dwoskin, Wall Street Journal
Instead of using tiny trackers that dozens of companies attach to websites to monitor people’s browsing, Google is considering a switch to a system that would create its own anonymous identifier for each individual, a Google official said. Read More ›
Privacy laws need update for Internet Age
by Jamie Court, San Francisco Chronicle
Two federal courts in California recently took up the question of whether invasion of privacy laws should apply to unauthorized opening of e-mail, in one case, and interception of unencrypted home Wi-Fi communications in another. Read More ›
Slice your utility bills without sacrificing comfort
by Editor, Consumer Reports
Energy efficiency tops the list of home features that today’s savvy consumers want. And they’re willing to pay for it—an extra $7,100 for a home that will reduce annual energy costs by $1,000, according to a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders. But you don’t have to buy a new house to reap the latest energy savings. Read More ›
Reminder: Don’t be taken in by a charity scam
by Chris Morran, The Consumerist
Between the tragic flooding in Colorado and the shooting in D.C., it’s been one of those weeks that make many people want to do something to help those who are grieving, suffering, or in need. Sadly, tragedies can bring out the worst in some looking to cash in on the charity of well-meaning folks. Read More ›
Your wallet called: Grey charges are costing you dearly
by Ginger Dean, US News
Chances are you’re being hit with grey charges and you have no idea. To make matters worse, by the time you realize their presence on your credit card statement, you’ve already been charged for a few months or more. Read More ›
Insurers limiting doctors, hospitals in health insurance market
by Chad Terhune, Los Angeles Times
Insurers in California’s new health insurance exchange are holding down premiums by limiting choices, raising concerns that patients will struggle to get care. Read More ›
Medical Privacy in the News
Medical app bill signed into law, September 9, 2013, Consumer Federation of California One of the biggest concerns related to the use of smartphones in medical care is the potential breach of patient confidentiality. The increasing use of mobile application software (apps) adds new issues to patient … Read More ›
U.S. Appeals Court rules Google not exempt from wiretap law in Wi-Spy suit
by John Simpson, Consumer Watchdog
Google’s Street View Cars not only were photographing the roads, but were also collecting data – including emails, documents, photos, passwords, and other private information – transmitted over Wi-Fi networks as the cars drove by. Read More ›